U.S. patent application number 10/390821 was filed with the patent office on 2003-10-30 for container for use with and method of managing an overhead track chain.
This patent application is currently assigned to Oconomowoc Manufacturing Corporation. Invention is credited to Breyer, Scott T., Stoehr, Kyle C..
Application Number | 20030201152 10/390821 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29254680 |
Filed Date | 2003-10-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030201152 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Breyer, Scott T. ; et
al. |
October 30, 2003 |
Container for use with and method of managing an overhead track
chain
Abstract
A container for use with an overhead track chain is disclosed.
The container generally comprises a base and a housing. The base
includes a tapered spool that extends upwardly from a top surface
of the base. The housing surrounds at least a portion of the
tapered spool. Therefore, when the base and the housing are secured
together the base, the tapered spool, and the housing form an
overhead track chain storage area. The chain is stowed in the
container when the chain is received in a winding fashion around
the spool and within the overhead track chain storage area. When
this occurs, the typically heavy and bulky overhead track chain,
which includes links permitting the chain to swivel, can be easily
packaged, stored, and subsequently transported within the
container. A method of stowing the overhead track chain in the
container is also disclose.
Inventors: |
Breyer, Scott T.; (Dousman,
WI) ; Stoehr, Kyle C.; (Oconomowoc, WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WHYTE HIRSCHBOECK DUDEK S C
111 EAST WISCONSIN AVENUE
SUITE 2100
MILWAUKEE
WI
53202
|
Assignee: |
Oconomowoc Manufacturing
Corporation
Oconomowoc
WI
|
Family ID: |
29254680 |
Appl. No.: |
10/390821 |
Filed: |
March 18, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60376584 |
Apr 30, 2002 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
198/678.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B61B 10/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
198/678.1 |
International
Class: |
B65G 017/20 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A container for use with an overhead track chain, the container
comprising: a base having a spool, the spool extending from the
base and structured to progressively guide the overhead track chain
around the spool in a winding fashion; and a housing securable to
the base and surrounding at least a portion of the spool to form an
overhead track chain storage area; wherein the overhead track chain
is guided around the spool in the winding fashion and received
within the overhead track chain storage area.
2. The container of claim 1, wherein the spool has a shape selected
from the group consisting of frustoconical, conical, or
tapered.
3. The container of claim 1, wherein the spool includes an
accessory storage area within the spool.
4. The container of claim 3, wherein the accessory storage area has
a shape selected from the group consisting of frustoconical,
conical, tapered, concave, or cylindrical.
5. The container of claim 1, wherein the container includes at
least one of a handle for transporting the container and a lid for
sealing the container.
6. The container of claim 1, wherein at least one of the base and
the housing are constructed of a material selected from the group
consisting of plastic, polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, steel,
wood, and cardboard.
7. The container of claim 1, wherein the overhead track chain is
structured for use with a conveyor selected from the group
consisting of a power and free conveyor, a continuous flow
conveyor, a hand-pushed conveyor, an over-and-under conveyor, a
wide-track conveyor, an enclosed track conveyor, a caterpillar
drive conveyor, an I-beam conveyor, a floor chain conveyor, and a
chain on edge conveyor.
8. A container for managing an overhead track chain, the container
comprising: a base defining a top surface; a tapered spool defining
an interior, the tapered spool: disposed upon and extending
diminishingly away from the top surface of the base; having an
accessory storage area disposed within the interior of the tapered
spool; and structured to progressively guide the overhead track
chain around the tapered spool in a winding fashion; and a
cylindrical housing securable to the top surface of the base and
surrounding at least a portion of the tapered spool to form an
overhead track chain storage area; wherein the overhead track chain
is guided around the tapered spool in a winding fashion and
received within the overhead track chain storage area.
9. The container of claim 8, wherein an angle formed between a
periphery of the tapered spool and the top surface of the base is
about ninety to about one hundred five degrees.
10. The container of claim 8, wherein an angle formed between a
periphery of the tapered spool and the top surface of the base is
about ninety-two degrees.
11. The container of claim 8, wherein an angle formed between a
periphery of the tapered spool and the top surface of the base is
about ninety-four degrees.
12. The container of claim 8, wherein the accessory storage area
has a shape selected from the group consisting of frustoconical,
conical, tapered, concave, or cylindrical.
13. The container of claim 8, wherein the base, the tapered spool,
and the cylindrical housing are of unitary construction.
14. The container of claim 8, wherein the container includes at
least one of a handle for transporting the container and a lid for
sealing the container.
15. The container of claim 8, wherein at least one of the base, the
tapered spool, and the cylindrical housing are constructed of a
material selected from the group consisting of plastic,
polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, steel, wood, and cardboard.
16. The container of claim 8, wherein managing includes at least
one of packaging, transporting, storing, handling, or maneuvering
the overhead track chain.
17. A method of stowing an overhead track chain, the method
comprising: providing the overhead track chain; providing a
container for managing the overhead track chain, the container
including a base having a tapered spool, the tapered spool
extending from the base and structured to progressively guide the
overhead track chain/around the tapered spool in a winding fashion,
and a housing securable to the base and surrounding at least a
portion of the tapered spool to form an overhead track chain
storage area; introducing a vertically-oriented overhead track
chain into the overhead track chain storage area within the
container; and winding the vertically-oriented overhead track chain
around the tapered spool in the overhead track chain storage area
of the container until the overhead track chain is at least
substantially entirely received within the overhead track chain
storage area such that the overhead track chain is stowed.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein, prior to the introducing step,
the method further comprises maneuvering at least a portion of the
overhead track chain into a vertical orientation.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein, prior to the maneuvering step,
the method further comprises receiving the overhead track chain in
a horizontal orientation.
20. The method of claim 17, wherein the introducing step is
performed by lowering the vertically-oriented overhead track chain
into the container using one of the techniques selected from the
group consisting of manually, semi-automatically, and
automatically.
21. The method of claim 17, wherein the winding step is performed
by rotation of the container that is the result of interaction
between the overhead track chain and the tapered spool.
22. The method of claim 17, wherein the method includes rotating
the container by using a mechanical device.
23. The method of claim 17, wherein the method further comprises
guiding the overhead track chain into the overhead track chain
storage area in the container during the introducing step using the
tapered spool.
24. The method of claim 17, wherein the method further comprises
using the tapered spool to guide the overhead track chain into the
overhead track chain storage area of the container.
25. The method of claim 17, wherein the method further comprises
placing an accessory into an accessory storage area disposed within
the tapered spool.
26. The method of claim 17, wherein the method further comprises
sealing the container with a lid.
27. The method of claim 17, wherein the overhead track chain
comprises a series of alternating, pivotable load-carrying and
lateral support links.
28. A container in combination with an overhead track chain, the
container comprising a base having a tapered spool, the tapered
spool extending from the base and structured to progressively guide
the overhead track chain around the tapered spool in a winding
fashion, and a housing securable to the base and surrounding at
least a portion of the tapered spool to form an overhead track
chain storage area, and the overhead track chain at least
substantially entirely disposed within the container, the overhead
track chain comprising a load-carrying link and a lateral guide
link, each of the load-carrying link and the lateral guide link
having a universal pin and a universal pin aperture such that the
load-carrying link and the lateral guide link are pivotable with
respect to each other, the pivotable load-carrying link and the
lateral guide link permitting the overhead track chain to be guided
around the tapered spool in the winding fashion and received within
the overhead track chain storage area.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Priority is claimed to U.S. provisional patent application
Serial No. 60/376,584 filed on Apr. 30, 2002.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to a container. In
one aspect, the invention relates to a container for managing an
overhead track chain.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] In conventional assembly line manufacturing, conveyor
systems are often used to shuttle materials from a source to and
through one or more workstations. These conveyor systems typically
rely on one or more bulky chains, such as overhead track chains, to
convey the requisite materials. The overhead track chains (i.e.,
universal link chains), which are out-fitted with and utilize
"pusher dogs" and "trolleys", engage with, transport, and then
disengage from the materials. As such, the materials can be carried
through the assembly line by the overhead track chains where a
variety of tasks can be performed on the materials at the
workstations.
[0006] Unfortunately, the packaging, transporting, storing, and
managing of the overhead track chains which are used in the
conveyor systems can be extremely problematic. The overhead track
chains are often very large and very heavy. Also, the chains are
constructed of links that permit and encourage the chain to swivel
or otherwise move at or between the links. This can cause
difficulties, for example, when a manufacturer of the chains
attempts to package the chains within conventional packaging and
shipping containers, when the chains are removed from conveyor
systems by technicians for maintenance, repair, replacement,
installation and/or reconfiguration, and the like.
[0007] At present, manufacturers and users of overhead track chains
employ a specially configured container with a "double box" design
for packaging, shipping, transporting, and storing the chains.
These double box containers use styrofoam spacers, which are
disposed in corners and the center of the container, to secure and
balance the chain that has been stowed therein.
[0008] Undesirably, the styrofoam spacers have a tendency to
deteriorate over time. As a result, the overhead track chain
packaged in the container shifts and/or slides when the container
is moved. Therefore, the container is unstable and difficult for
workers to carry and otherwise difficult to handle. Additionally,
when the styrofoam spacers break apart, pieces or fragments of the
styrofoam can become lodged in and around the overhead track chain
stored in the container. If the styrofoam pieces are not adequately
cleaned from the overhead track chain, various problems can arise.
For example, the chain can fail prematurely during later use in the
conveyor system.
[0009] Overhead track chains are also, at times, transported and
shipped by manufacturers and users inside containers such as
conventional buckets, pails, and the like. These buckets have a
vacant and/or hollow interior, defined by a periphery of the
bucket, which is devoid of any support feature. In other words, the
periphery of the bucket is the only boundary restricting movement
of the chain when the chain is disposed in the hollow interior. No
structure or apparatus is provided within the hollow interior to
guide, manage, and/or steadfastly secure the chain. Therefore, when
the chain is disposed and/or placed within the bucket for
transportation and/or shipping, the container is unable to
adequately control the movements, sway, and shifting of the chain
stored therein.
[0010] Thus, a container for use with, and for managing, an
overhead track chain would be desirable. Likewise, a method of
stowing an overhead track chain in the container would also be
desirable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] In one aspect, the invention provides a container for use
with an overhead track chain. The container comprises a base, which
includes a spool, and a housing that is securable to the base. The
spool extends from the base and is structured to progressively
guide the overhead track chain around the spool in a winding
fashion. The housing surrounds at least a portion of the spool such
that an overhead track chain storage area is formed. The overhead
track chain is guided around the spool in the winding fashion and
received within the overhead track chain storage area.
[0012] In another aspect, the invention provides a container for
managing an overhead track chain. The container comprises a base
defining a top surface, a tapered spool defining an interior, and a
cylindrical housing. The tapered spool is disposed upon, and
extends diminishingly away from, the top surface of the base, has
an accessory storage area disposed within the interior of the
tapered spool, and is structured to progressively guide the
overhead track chain around the tapered spool in a winding fashion.
The cylindrical housing is securable to the top surface of the base
and surrounds at least a portion of the tapered spool such that an
overhead track chain storage area is formed. The overhead track
chain is guided around the tapered spool in a winding fashion and
received within the overhead track chain storage area.
[0013] In a further aspect, the invention provides a method of
stowing an overhead track chain. The method comprises providing the
overhead track chain and providing a container for managing the
overhead track chain. The container includes a base having a
tapered spool and a housing securable to the base. The tapered
spool extends from the base and is structured to progressively
guide the overhead track chain around the tapered spool in a
winding fashion. The housing surrounds at least a portion of the
tapered spool such that an overhead track chain storage area is
formed. A vertically-oriented overhead track chain is introduced
into the overhead track chain storage area within the container and
the vertically-oriented overhead track chain is wound around the
tapered spool in the overhead track chain storage area of the
container until the overhead track chain is at least substantially
entirely received within the overhead track chain storage area.
Thus, the overhead track chain is stowed.
[0014] In yet another aspect, the invention provides a container in
combination with an overhead track chain. The container comprises a
base having a tapered spool and a housing securable to the base.
The tapered spool extends from the base and is structured to
progressively guide the overhead track chain around the tapered
spool in a winding fashion. The housing surrounds at least a
portion of the tapered spool such that an overhead track chain
storage area is formed. The overhead track chain comprises a
load-carrying link and a lateral guide link. Each of the
load-carrying link and the lateral guide link has a universal pin
and a universal pin aperture such that the load-carrying link and
the lateral guide link are pivotable with respect to each other.
The pivotable load-carrying link and the lateral guide link permit
the overhead track chain to be guided around the tapered spool in
the winding fashion and be received within the overhead track chain
storage area. As such, the overhead track chain is at least
substantially entirely disposed within the container.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] Embodiments of the invention are disclosed with reference to
the accompanying drawings and are for illustrative purposes only.
The invention is not limited in its application to the details of
construction, or the arrangement of the components, illustrated in
the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of
being practiced or carried out in other various ways. Like
reference numerals are used to indicate like components.
[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a typical conveyor system
capable of employing an overhead track chain.
[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of a pusher dog used in the
conveyor system of FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of a trolley used in the
conveyor system of FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the overhead track
chain used in the conveyor system of FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of the overhead track chain
of FIG. 4.
[0021] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a
container for storing the overhead track chain of FIG. 4 in
accordance with one aspect of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a base, which
includes a spool, of the container of FIG. 6 according to one
aspect of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a housing of the
container of FIG. 6 according to one aspect of the present
invention.
[0024] FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view, taken along line
9-9, of another embodiment of the container of FIG. 6 when the
container has a unitary construction in accordance with another
aspect of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 10 illustrates the container of FIG. 6 including a lid
and a handle according to one aspect of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 11 illustrates the container of FIG. 6 having a
partially cut-away housing highlighting the spool.
[0027] FIG. 12 illustrates a flow diagram that outlines a method
for stowing the overhead track chain of FIG. 4 in the container of
FIG. 6 according to one aspect of the present invention.
[0028] FIGS. 13A-B illustrate the container of FIG. 6 having a
partially cut-away housing and receiving the overhead track chain
of FIG. 4 in a winding fashion according to one aspect of the
present invention.
[0029] FIG. 14 illustrates the container of FIG. 6 having a
partially cut-away housing when the overhead track chain of FIG. 4
is stowed in the container according to one aspect of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0030] Referring to FIG. 1, conveyor system 10 is illustrated
transporting materials 12. Materials 12 can include parts,
components, products, and the like that are ferried from place to
place during typical assembly line manufacturing. Conveyor system
10 generally includes one or more Tracks 14a and 14b (collectively
14), one or more pusher dogs 16, one or more trolleys 18, and an
overhead track chain 20 (i.e., a universal link chain). Overhead
track chain 20 is often driven and/or pulled through track 14a in a
conveyor system 10 such as, for example, track 14a which is
positioned vertically above track 14b. In preferred embodiments,
track 14a is an "enclosed" track and track 14b is either an
"enclosed" track or an "open" track. In those embodiments where
track 14b is an "open" track, the track is typically an I-beam
track.
[0031] As shown in FIG. 1, a portion of each track 14 is cut-away
or removed to more clearly illustrate components (e.g., overhead
track chain 20, etc.) of conveyor system 10. Tracks 14 are
structured to receive one or more pusher dogs 16, one or more
trolleys 18, and overhead track chain 20. As such, pusher dogs 16,
trolleys 18, and overhead track chain 20 are permitted to ride upon
and/or through one of tracks 14. Tracks 14 are typically
manufactured in, for example, either straight or curved sections
(not shown) of about twenty feet in length. These sections are
welded or otherwise secured together to permit tracks 14 to be as
long or short, and as straight or meandering, as desired by a user
of conveyor system 10. Since tracks 14 must ultimately support a
considerable amount of weight (e.g., from materials 12, from
various conveyor components, etc.) the Tracks are often constructed
of, for example, high carbon steel.
[0032] Pusher dogs 16, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, comprise pusher
dog wheels 22 and catch 24. Pusher dog wheels 22 are structured to
permit pusher dog 16 to travel in and through track 14a.
Preferably, pusher dog wheels 22 rotate freely and are formed such
that the pusher dogs can glide smoothly through track 14a. Catch 24
on pusher dog 16 is structured to permit the pusher dog to engage
with one of trolleys 18.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 3, trolley 18 comprises trolley wheels 26,
means 28 for securing materials, and receiver 30. Trolley wheels 26
are structured to permit trolley 18 to travel on or through track
14b. Preferably, trolley wheels 26 rotate freely and are formed
such that the trolleys can glide smoothly on or through track 14b.
Means 28 for securing materials is structured to permit each
trolley 18 to suspend and carry materials 12 from a source (not
shown) to a workstation (not shown) or from one workstation to
another. Receiver 30 is structured to permit trolley 18 to engage
with catch 24 disposed on one of pusher dogs 16.
[0034] In preferred embodiments as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, overhead
track chain 20 is produced by combining and/or securing together
one or more load-carrying links 32 and/or lateral guide links 34.
Preferably, a plurality or series of links 32, 34 are included in
overhead track chain 20. Although permitted to be coupled together
in a variety of sequences, load-carrying links 32 and lateral guide
links 34 are preferably ordered such that the load-carrying links
and the lateral guide links alternate in some fashion. For example,
one or more load-carrying links 32 follow one or more lateral guide
links 34, which are followed by additional load-carrying lengths,
and so on and so forth. Each load-carrying link 32 and lateral
guide link 34 includes one or more chain wheels 36, a plurality of
universal pins 38, and a plurality of universal pin apertures
40.
[0035] In general, chain wheels 36 disposed on load-carrying links
32 accommodate vertically-applied loads while the chain wheels
disposed on lateral guide links 34 manage laterally-applied loads.
Since, for example, vertically-applied loads upon load-carrying
links 32 are often substantial, multiple chain wheels 36 can be
used in combination or together to bear the heavy load. Preferably,
chain wheels 36 on each of load-carrying links 32 and lateral guide
links 34 rotate freely and are formed such that the links can glide
smoothly on or through one of Tracks 14. Chain wheels 36 can be
constructed of steel, other metals, nylon, and the like.
[0036] Universal pins 38 and universal pin apertures 40 are found
on both load-carrying links 32 and lateral guide links 34.
Universal pins 38 and universal pin apertures 40 are selectively
engageable such that load-carrying links 32 and lateral guide links
34 can be secured to one another. Likewise, several load-carrying
links 32 can be secured other load-carrying links and several
lateral guide links 34 can be secured to other lateral guide links.
Therefore, when universal pins 38 and universal pin apertures 40
engage each other, links 32, 34 are connected and/or secured
together such that overhead track chain 20 is produced.
[0037] Any number of load-carrying links 32 and lateral guide links
34 can be joined together to form overhead track chain 20. As links
32, 34 are added, overhead track chain 20 grows larger and larger
in length. In contrast, as links 32, 34 are removed, overhead track
chain 20 shrinks in length.
[0038] Since links 32, 34 are connected and/or secured by
engagement of universal pins 38 and universal pin apertures 40, the
links are permitted to swivel, pivot, and/or twist.
Correspondingly, overhead track chain 20 can swivel, pivot, and/or
twist.
[0039] Referring again to FIG. 1, one or more pusher dogs 16 are
inserted or incorporated into overhead track chain 20 (FIG. 4)
between links 32, 34 when the overhead track chain is used in
conveyor system 10. Pusher dogs 16 can include universal pin
apertures (not shown) that are compatible with universal pins 38
(FIG. 4) disposed on load-carrying links 32 and lateral guide links
34. When inserted into overhead track chain 20, pusher dogs 16
typically separate lateral guide links 34. In other words, pusher
dogs 16 become a part or portion of overhead track chain 20 when
the overhead track chain is used in conveyor system 10.
[0040] As overhead track chain 20 is driven and/or moves within and
through track 14a, pusher dogs 16 that have been added to the chain
engage with receivers 30 on trolleys 18 while the trolleys are
securing materials 12 with means 28 for securing materials.
Engagement of pusher dogs 16 and trolleys 18 causes the trolley to
move on or through Tracks 14b. As overhead track chain 20
progresses through conveyor system 10, materials 12 held by
trolleys 18 likewise and resultantly progress through the conveyor
system. Therefore, overhead chain 20 rolls and "snakes" through
track 14a, the chain uses pusher dogs 16 to pull trolleys 18
(including materials 12) on or through track 14b until the pusher
dogs and the trolleys disengage. Thus, materials 12 are transported
as desired by conveyor system 10.
[0041] While overhead track chain 20 performs well within conveyor
system 10, the overhead track chain can be problematic prior to
insertion into, or after removal from, the conveyor system. Simply
put, overhead track chain 20 is difficult to package, transport,
store, handle, maneuver, and otherwise manage (collectively
"manage") when independent of conveyor system 10 since the chain is
bulky, heavy, and can, if not constrained, swivel between engaged
links 32, 34.
[0042] When outside of or apart from conveyor system 10, overhead
track chain generally comprises only load-carrying links 32 and
lateral guide links 34 as shown in FIG. 4. These load-carrying
links 32 and lateral guide links 34 (including chain wheels 36) are
often constructed of a high-strength metal (e.g., a drop-forged,
high-strength steel) or other heavy, strong, and/or dense
materials. Therefore, overhead track chain 20 is often extremely
heavy. As more and more links 32, 34 are added to overhead track
chain 20, the chain becomes increasingly bulky and heavy. Also,
since links 32, 34 are commonly joined together by universal pins
38 and universal pin apertures 40, which permit swiveling, overhead
track chain 20 is pivotable. In other words, overhead track chain
can be cumbersome to manage and/or maneuver.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 6, container 42 for use with and for
managing bulky chains (e.g., overhead track chains 20 as shown in
FIGS. 4 and 5) is illustrated. When overhead track chains 20 are
disposed within container 42, the container is capable of
protecting these bulky chains from objects impacting the chains as
well as from debris, moisture, and other contaminants. Such objects
and contaminants can have adverse and/or deleterious effects upon
overhead track chains 20. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, container 42
generally comprises base 44 and housing 46, respectively.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 7, base 44 includes spool 48 and defines
top surface 50. Spool 48 is disposed upon, and extends
diminishingly away from, top surface 50 of base 44. In other words,
a periphery 52 (e.g., a circumference) of spool 48 gets smaller as
the spool continues to extend and/or protrude farther away from top
surface 50 of base 44. Therefore, in preferred embodiments, spool
48 is constructed to be frustoconical, conical, tapered, or the
like (collectively "tapered"). The "tapered" and/or "diminishing"
shape and/or configuration of spool 48 permits and/or encourages
the overhead track chain 20 to be progressively guided and/or
received around or proximate the spool in a winding fashion. The
tapered nature of spool 48 essentially permits the spool to guide
(e.g., direct, shepherd, etc.) overhead track chain 20 when the
chain is wound about the spool. The tapered nature of spool 48 also
encourages overhead track chain 20 to be wound such that the chain
is centered and/or balanced within container 42.
[0045] As used herein, the phrases "progressively guided" and
"progressively received generally signify that portions (e.g.,
segments) of overhead track chain 20 are deposited upon other
previously-deposited portions of the chain as the chain is
introduced into container 42. In other words, spool 48 guides
overhead track chain 20 such that the chain is stacked, piled,
and/or heaped upon itself. Also, since the chain is guided and
received in a winding fashion, overhead track chain 20 essentially
encircles and/or surrounds spool 48. In other words, as used
herein, the phrase "winding fashion" generally means that overhead
track chain 20 is more or less wrapped, either engagingly or
proximately, around spool 48. In other words, spool 48 guides
overhead track chain 20 such that the chain encircles, besieges,
and/or surrounds the spool. Receipt of overhead track chain 20 can
be performed, for example, by introducing the chain into container
42 in a clockwise or counter-clockwise manner.
[0046] Since spool 48 is tapered and acts as a guide for overhead
track chain 20 when the chain is progressively received around the
spool in a winding fashion, container 42 can accommodate the
receipt of bulky, heavy chains that can swivel if not constrained.
Container 42, and in particular spool 48, permits links 32, 34 in
overhead track chain 42 to swivel just enough to permit the chain
to be progressively guided and received in a winding fashion in
container 42. At the same time, links 32, 34 inhibit and/or prevent
overhead track chain 20 from pivoting, sagging, and otherwise
becoming difficult to manage.
[0047] In one embodiment as shown in FIG. 8, housing 46 is
cylindrical and is dimensioned to correspond to base 44 of FIG. 7.
As such, housing 46 (FIG. 8) is securable to top surface 50 of base
44 (FIG. 7) by welding, a friction fit, rivets, nuts and bolts, and
the like to produce container 42 as depicted in FIG. 6. In an
alternative embodiment as shown in FIG. 9, container 42 can have a
unitary construction. In other words, housing 46 and base 44 are
simply "portions" of container 42 and the container is fashioned
from a single piece of material. In other words, container 42 is
essentially seamless.
[0048] Regardless of whether base 44 and housing 46 are secured
together, or container 42 has a "one-piece" construction, housing
46 surrounds at least a portion of spool 48. Therefore, as
illustrated in FIG. 9, housing 46, base 44, and spool 48 together
form and define overhead track chain storage area 54. Overhead
track chain storage area 54 capable of receiving overhead track
chain 20. Overhead track chain storage area 54 is likewise capable
of storing and/or holding overhead track chain 20 as well.
[0049] In a preferred embodiment as shown in FIG. 9, spool 48
includes an interior 56 that encompasses and contains accessory
storage area 58. Accessory storage area 58 is capable of receiving
one or more accessories (not shown) such as instructions for using
overhead track chain 20, lubrication materials, nuts, bolts, links
for the chain, and the like. In preferred embodiments, accessory
storage area 58 is produced to be frustoconical, conical, tapered,
concave, cylindrical, or the like. In those cases where accessory
storage area 58 is frustoconical, conical, and tapered, the
tapering and/or narrowing of accessory storage area 56 generally
increases as the accessory storage area extends toward top surface
50.
[0050] Spool 48 is also preferably tapered about zero (0) to about
fifteen (15) degrees and, therefore, an angle formed between
periphery 52 of spool 48 and top surface 50 of base 44 is about
ninety (90) to about one hundred five (105) degrees. In one
exemplary embodiment, spool 48 is tapered about two (2) degrees
when container 42 is dimensioned similarly to a three and a half
(31/2) gallon bucket as well known and conventionally used in the
industry. Therefore, the angle that is formed between periphery 52
of spool 48 and top surface 50 of base 44 is about ninety-two (92)
degrees. In another exemplary embodiment, spool 48 is tapered about
four (4) degrees when container 42 is dimensioned similarly to a
seven (7) gallon bucket as well known and conventionally used in
the industry. Therefore, the angle that is formed between periphery
52 of spool 48 and top surface 50 of base 44 is about ninety-four
(94) degrees.
[0051] In a further preferred embodiment as shown in FIG. 10,
container 42 includes handle 60 for carrying the container and/or a
lid 62 for sealing the container. Handle 60 makes transportation of
container 42 easier, more convenient, and the like. Lid 62, on the
other hand, can afford increased protection (i.e., protection
greater than that of container 42 acting alone) to overhead track
chain 20 from objects that might strike and injure the chain as
well as debris, moisture, and contaminants that might harm the
chain.
[0052] In FIG. 11, a portion of housing 46 has been cut-away or
removed from container 42. Therefore, base 44, which operates
either as a part or a portion of container 42, is more clearly
illustrated. Also, FIG. 11 also provides a perspective view and
otherwise displays accessory storage area 58 in container 42.
[0053] In the flow diagram of FIG. 12, a method or process 64 for
stowing overhead track chain 20 in container 42 is illustrated.
Process 64 begins by providing 66 overhead track chain 20 and
container 20 for managing the chain. When overhead track chain 20
is provided, overhead track chain 20 is often (but not always)
received 68 in a horizontal orientation as a result of having been
operated in an track 14, having been recently assembled or
constructed, and the like. Therefore, at least a portion of
overhead track chain 20 is maneuvered 70 from the horizontal
orientation into a vertical orientation.
[0054] Once at least a portion of the overhead track chain 20 is
disposed in the vertically-oriented position, the chain is
introduced 72 into overhead track chain storage area 62 in
container 42. Introduction 72 of overhead track chain 20 can be
performed by manually, semi-automatically, or automatically
lowering vertically-oriented the overhead track chain into
container 42. As used herein, manual insertion connotes insertion
without the use or aid of automated, mechanical, and similar
equipment. Semi-automatic and automatic would, therefore, require
the use of machines, computers and networks, robotics, and the
like.
[0055] After entering overhead track chain storage area 62, the now
vertically-oriented overhead track chain 20 (or portion thereof) is
wound 74 (i.e., coiled, spiraled, etc.) around tapered spool 48 in
overhead track chain storage area 62 of container 42 as
progressively shown in FIGS. 13A-B. Overhead track chain 20
preferably winds such that the chain is centered and/or balanced in
overhead track chain storage area 54 in container 42.
[0056] Winding 74 of overhead track chain 20 can be performed by
permitting container 42 to rotate or by rotating the container. For
example, container 42 can rotate as a result of interaction between
overhead track chain 20 and tapered spool 48. Since overhead track
chain 20 is heavy, and spool 48 is tapered, the chain naturally
"winds" when lowered into container 42. Alternatively or
additionally, a mechanical device (not shown) can rotate container
42 to assist or entirely perform winding 74. Mechanical devices
capable of providing rotation or a rotating force, as well as their
manner of use, are well known in the art.
[0057] Winding 74 of overhead track chain 20 around tapered spool
48 continues until the chain is at least substantially entirely
received within overhead track chain storage area 54 as shown in
FIG. 14. Therefore, as depicted in FIG. 14, overhead track chain 20
has been received in a winding fashion around spool 48 and within
overhead track chain storage area 54. Thus, overhead track chain 20
is stowed 76 (i.e., stored, packaged, etc.) in container 42.
[0058] When overhead track chain 20 is stored in container 42, the
container can protect the overhead track chain from objects
striking the chain, contaminants harming the chain, and the like.
In a similar fashion, container 42 can also protect one or more
accessories (not shown) when the accessories are optionally placed
78 (FIG. 12) and/or stored in accessory storage area 58. Contents
(e.g., overhead track chain, accessories, etc.) of container 42 can
be additionally protected if the container is optionally sealed 80
with lid 60 (FIG. 12).
[0059] To remove overhead track chain 20 from container 42, the
chain is grasped (preferably by a link 32, 34 having a universal
pin 40 that is not attached to another link) and pulled upwardly
and/or away from the container. When this occurs, overhead track
chain 20 unwinds and is allowed to discharge and/or be expelled
from container 42. Therefore, container 42 permits and is
structured for removal of overhead track chain 20 as well as
managing the chain.
[0060] In addition to compatibility with overhead track chains 20,
container 42 can be suitably employed to accommodate and receive
equivalent heavy, bulky chains such as those used in power and free
conveyors, continuous flow conveyors, hand-pushed conveyors,
over-and-under conveyors, wide-track conveyors, enclosed track
conveyors, caterpillar drive conveyors, I-beam conveyors, floor
chain conveyors, chain on edge conveyors, and the like.
[0061] In preferred embodiments, base 44, spool 48, and housing 46
can be constructed of plastic, polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon,
steel, wood, cardboard, and like materials. Therefore, container 42
can be made using an injection molding process or other molding
processes as well known in the art.
[0062] Despite any methods being outlined in a step-by-step
sequence, the completion of acts or steps in a particular
chronological order is not mandatory. Further, elimination,
modification, rearrangement, combination, reordering, or the like,
of acts or steps is contemplated and considered within the scope of
the description and appended claims.
[0063] Also, while the present invention has been described in
terms of the preferred embodiment, it is recognized that
equivalents, alternatives, and modifications, aside from those
expressly stated, are possible and within the scope of the
description and appended claims.
* * * * *